cluster

Hungarian composer

Definition

The simultaneous sounding of several adjacent notes played with the palm, fist, or forearm rather than individual fingers; a core sonority in Kurtág's piano writing, used throughout Játékok.

Interpretive Guidance

Clusters should be approached with relaxed weight, not tension. Differentiate between palm clusters (softer, more diffuse) and fist or forearm clusters (denser, more percussive) — Kurtág notates each specifically.

Context

Scope Used by Gyorgy Kurtag
Language Hungarian

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